Life provides a lot of opportunities, but it only opens the door to success for those who put in hard work. Our abilities and talents are useless unless we put them to work. You get out of life what you put into it.
Miami native, Giovani Mesa, is a successful attorney that has been practicing law in South Florida since 2011. Currently, Mesa advises both domestic and foreign companies and individuals in commercial, business, and personal matters. Additionally, Mesa represents individual and corporate clients in civil litigation in federal and state courts, bring claims involving contract disputes, landlord–tenant, real property and other legal matters.
Mesa developed an interest in law at a young age, inspired by various family members working throughout the legal system. With his family’s support, Mesa pursued an education in law. In 2010, Mesa received his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law and received his L.L.M degree in Advanced Studies in International and European Business Law from Leiden University in Leiden, Netherlands. Upon graduation, Mesa worked at an associate for two South Florida law firms.
Giovani Mesa resides in Hollywood, Florida with his family.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I work for a law firm in Florida. While in my undergraduate studies for Political Science and Government at Florida Atlantic University, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in law. I was always interested in law, but it was not until the middle of my undergrad that I realized it was something I would be fulfilled doing for the rest of my life. Law is something that will always challenge me and help me grow, personally and professionally.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Busy! I do not have a typical day, per se. It really depends on the cases I have and client requests. Often I wake up early around 6am, have a quick workout and grab a coffee on my way to the office. I try to work on the urgent stuff like internal issues or pending deadlines in the morning. After lunch, my time is dedicated to meetings with clients and coworkers, and attending hearings. By the time I get home I am exhausted but always happy to be home with my family. Despite my ever changing list of responsibilities, I try to get an early start to every day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Being a lawyer means that I do not create impressive life changing things, like technology and machines, that have an impact on people’s daily lives. On the other hand, laws protect people and help them feel safe. So although I am not changing people’s lives, I am providing a necessary service. Some people may think that the law is a very “dry” subject, but I disagree. The law keeps changing and differs from place to place, even within one country. Keeping up with the history of laws and current changes to laws allows me to use my knowledge in a creative way and adapt to the circumstances at hand, ultimately helping my clients find a favorable outcome.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I find this profession to be very challenging, since law is a very diverse subject and is always changing. It keeps me on my toes and I learn something new almost everyday. Something that interests me is how the law can be used to make the internet a safer place for citizens. It is confusing and not fully developed, but it’s definitely a necessary component as society shifts to function more and more online.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Being a lawyer means that you have to have exceptional organizational skills to meet the demands of the profession. I keep track of everything! I feel like I cannot let it go even when I sleep. If something needs to be done, it is always done by the deadline no matter the costs of personal time and sleep. I use two day planners: one is small that I carry with me everywhere, and the other is a large one that sits on my desk. Being able to visualize what I need to do everyday for a month is incredibly helpful. If I don’t have my day planner, I feel unorganized and I can’t think straight.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise myself to take some time off. Not every grade has to be perfect. Not every extracurricular activity needs to be attended. Not every position has to be taken by oneself. It’s impossible to succeed or enjoy your success when you are constantly overloaded with expectations, most of which we put on ourselves.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Life provides a lot of opportunities, but it only opens the door to success for those who put in hard work. Our abilities and talents are useless unless we put them to work. You get out of life what you put into it.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
As a lawyer, I help people everyday. It is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job, and I recommend everyone do something for someone else. Even if it’s something small, paying it forward is good karma.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
The best way to grow a law firm, and any business really, is by providing great customer service, working hard, and always putting the client first. When your client feels respected and cared for, they will always come back. Additionally, they will tell their friends, family, and business partners about how great you are, and word of mouth is a great marketing strategy. Even better is online reviews. A great review can reach hundreds of potential clients.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I guess I perceive a failure as when the resolution of the case is not in the best interest of my client. However, the good thing with law is that there are ways to overcome unfavorable outcomes by filing appeals.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Although I am not a business professional (and I don’t think I will ever leave the legal world), a great legal related business idea is an app that connects citizens to lawyers in their area based on their needs, urgency, and budgets. Some lawyers are better than others for certain issues, so we need a way to highlight specialties and help clients in the best way possible.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was the purchase of a bicycle for my daughter. She was so surprised when we drove up to our local bike store to purchase her a bicycle. Her eyes lit up with joy. On our way home, after we purchased the bicycle, I noticed that she was silent and I asked her what was wrong. She replied, “Dad, I am so happy with the bicycle, but this bicycle would bring Emily, [a girl we met at a local shelter that we volunteer at], so much happiness.” The following Saturday morning, she gave the bicycle to Emily. I was so proud of her as this was a principle that my wife and I have tried to teach her as part of our monthly community outreach that we do as a family. Needless to say, that was the best $100 I spent.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
The best web service I use is Westlaw, an online legal research database that most lawyers and legal professionals use to research the relevant case law, statutes and other legal information for their cases. It’s great to have all of this information in one place, and it definitely makes my job a lot easier!
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being” by Martin E.P. Seligman
In Flourish, the author explains how happiness comes from achievements—not from the money that comes with achievements, but the pure job of succeeding at very hard missions. He goes on to talk about how today’s parents are teaching ‘learned helplessness’ to their kids, which will preclude most of them from succeeding. He also describes how people with failures in their lives end up as the biggest successes because they are hardened by surviving failure. I find myself referring back to Flourish for its insightful teachings.
What is your favorite quote?
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Patrick Henry, American attorney, planter, and orator.
Key learnings:
● Always challenge yourself, professionally and personally.
● Work hard. Let it humble you.
● Make time for your family.
Connect:
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.